The Radical Future of Realism: Feminist Subversions of IR Theory

In: Alternatives: global, local, political, Band 16, Heft 1, S. 67-106

Abstract

Feminist theories act as "subversive strategies," revealing the partialities, distortions, & contradictions inherent to the patriarchal text & practice of realism, thereby seeking to undermine its dominance & power within international relations (IR) discourses. Through reviewing multiple feminist critiques of IR concepts, theory, & practice, ranging from the peripheralized issues of development & peace to the core concerns of state politics & interstate relations, it is argued that feminist postpositivist perspectives offer the most subversive potential for demarginalizing & empowering women & other subjugated groups within IR theory & international politics. AA